Israel

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Mr Netanyahu made no mention of what he would do with the territory’s more than two million Palestinian residents.

Later, rocket fire interrupted a Likud party campaign rally where Mr Netanyahu was speaking in the southern city of Ashdod.

The Israeli military said it intercepted two rockets launched from the Gaza Strip.

After being taken away by security guards, Mr Netanyahu returned minutes later and continued addressing the crowd.

Mr Netanyahu’s announcement was denounced by world leaders.

The Prime Minister point to a map showing which parts of the West Bank are set to be annexed. (Getty)

International outrage

Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat labelled the move “manifestly illegal” and added that annexation could be considered a “war crime” that would “bury any chance of peace”.

Stephane Dujarric, a United Nations spokesman, said the organisation maintains that any Israeli move to impose its administration over the Palestinian territory “would be devastating to the potential of reviving negotiations, regional peace and the very essence of a two-state solution”.

The Arab League also condemned his remarks as “a serious development and an Israeli aggression” that, if carried out, amount to “an Israeli declaration for the end of the peace process”.

Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, said in a statement that annexation of Israel’s West Bank settlements would fan the flames of conflict around the region.

Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said all agreements with Israel will be cancelled if Mr Netanyahu presses forward with his plan.

“We have the right to defend our rights and achieve our goals by all available means, whatever the results, as Netanyahu’s decisions contradict the resolutions of international legitimacy and international law,” he said.

Israel has maintained a presence in the West Bank since 1967 but has stopped short of annexation.

Palestine has claimed the entire area for a future independent state but Mr Netanyahu previously insisted Israel would always have a military presence there.

Despite international condemnation Israel has built about 140 settlements in the West Bank and in East Jerusalem which are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this.

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